Referendum Guidance

Lord Bassam of Brighton: My right honourable friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office (Douglas Alexander) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
	The Government have published guidance to civil servants and NDPB board members and staff on their role and conduct during the referendum campaigns for elected regional assemblies and the accompanying referendums on local government structures.
	The Government believe that people who serve in public life as members of public bodies should not be precluded from taking part in the referendum campaigns—whether for a "Yes" or "No" vote—in their capacity as private citizens. However, where they decide to participate in such activity they should do so in accordance with the requirements of this guidance.
	Copies of the guidance have been placed in the Libraries of the House.